Case Report: Adult-onset Still’s disease presenting with massive hemorrhagic pericardial effusion without the characteristic rash - Report - MDSpire

Case Report: Adult-onset Still’s disease presenting with massive hemorrhagic pericardial effusion without the characteristic rash

  • By

  • Yun Li

  • Ning Wang

  • Junqi Hu

  • Changsheng Xie

  • Junchao Yang

  • Tingzhen Xu

  • June 4, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Case: Adult-onset Still’s Disease with Hemorrhagic Pericardial Effusion

Overview

This report presents a rare case of adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) in a 67-year-old man, characterized by significant hemorrhagic pericardial effusion without the typical rash. The diagnosis was supported by elevated ferritin levels and systemic inflammation.

Background

Adult-onset Still's disease is a rare systemic autoinflammatory disorder that can present with various clinical manifestations, including serosal involvement. The absence of universally accepted biomarkers complicates the diagnosis, which relies on clinical criteria and exclusion of other conditions.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data available in the source material.

Key Findings

['AOSD can present with massive hemorrhagic pericardial effusion without the characteristic rash.', 'Diagnosis relies on clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and exclusion of other conditions.', 'Elevated serum ferritin and systemic inflammation were observed in the patient.', 'Initial suspicion included tuberculous pericarditis and malignancy, which were ruled out.', 'Glucocorticoid therapy led to rapid resolution of symptoms and serous effusions.']

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider AOSD in patients presenting with unexplained serositis, particularly hemorrhagic pericardial effusion. Early recognition and treatment can prevent unnecessary interventions and improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion

This case underscores the importance of considering AOSD in atypical presentations, particularly in the absence of classic symptoms.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Clinical Rheumatology, 2023 -- Pregnancy Complications in Adult-onset Still’s Disease: A Review of Macrophage Activation Syndrome Cases
  2. Infection, 2024 -- Linking Dermatological Manifestations to Systemic Weakness
  3. Clinical Rheumatology, 2022 -- Cardiac Manifestations in Dermatomyositis Associated with Anti-MDA5 Antibodies: A Review of Case Studies
  4. EULAR/PReS recommendations for the diagnosis and management of Still's disease, 2024
  5. Open Forum Infectious Diseases — A Family's Battle Against Tropheryma whipplei: Insights from a Case Series
  6. EULAR/PReS recommendations for the diagnosis and management of Still's disease
  7. Rheumatology Network Meta-Analysis on Still's Disease Treatments

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